Spider veins, also called telangiectasias, are small, red or blue colored blood vessels that appear on the surface of the skin. They can present in different forms and shapes. Spider veins are associated with the widening of tiny, and almost invisible veins existing on the surface of the body. Why these little vessels get bigger and visible has been long investigated. We understand the cause as multifactorial at present knowledgebase, but the subject remains under worldwide investigation. So much interest is placed into the research because over 70% of women and about 50% of men suffer from spider veins.
The most recognized causes of spider veins:
- Age – as our age increases the skin starts lacking its elasticity. Blood vessels lose their support and tone of the vessel walls.
- Genetic factors – we inherit genes responsible for forming and keeping our veins elastic, valves strong and our skin supportive, low penetration of these genes leaves us more vulnerable to developing spider veins.
- Body weight – as the body’s tissue mass increases so does the number of blood vessels, interconnections between them and new circulation pathways arise. Blood pressure in arteries and veins amplifies stretching the vessels’ walls.
- Abnormal blood flow in the veins underneath the skin – it is called chronic venous insufficiency. Associated with underlying, but still not visible varicose veins.
- Our job – especially low mobility associated with long periods of standing and/or siting down. The most affected professions are: nurses, teachers, beauticians, drivers.
- Pregnancy – even though it is said that pregnancy only escalates already existing problem, many women experience the first symptoms during that time.
- Smoking – definitely a NO! for the whole body, its damaging effects to the walls of veins have been well documented.
- Hormonal birth control – changes in hormone levels disturbs the control of blood flow, blood fluidity, and vessels compliance.
- Lack of physical activity – you don’t use it you lose it! – Physical activity not only helps our blood to be delivered faster and more proficiently, but also increases support for our veins by strengthening muscles and reinforcing skin structure.
Spider veins in the majority of cases are not life threatening and are more of a cosmetic concern. Still, they can be a sign of more pronounced abnormalities in larger veins. A fast and very affordable in office ultrasound exam resolves any concerns. State of the art in office procedures are designated to alleviate problematic spider veins.
©Peter Brukasz MD